Tabitha's POV
Derek piped up again, "He never really cared about helping John. He just wanted to use John to manipulate you. After last night's fight, I bet those weasels have found a new hideout to lay low for a bit."They won't dare to make waves anytime soon, especially him. So you're not gonna see him for the time being."He placed his hand on my shoulder, persuading me, "I'm the only one you can trust, Tabitha. I always look out for you and want nothing in return. Tell me where John is, and I'll help you."Having learned all this stuff all of a sudden, I was at a loss.I didn't get it. How come things became so complicated?I always thought Jasper was a righteous man, yet he turned out to be a bloodthirsty monster.And behind Derek's affectionate façade, he had his own agenda.Who should I trust?Who could I trust anyway?Perhaps noticing my confused expression, Derek whispered, "It's OK if you don't wanna tell me. I justTabitha's POVIt was, of course, Daphne. She was the rudest person I'd ever seen.She stormed in like a hurricane and raised her hand, ready to slap me across the face."Bitch! It's you again! You just won't go away, huh?"Mark grabbed her wrist, disappointment in his eyes."You don't need to be perfect or even obedient, but at least, you can't be this mean."Holly almost died in front of you, but you weren't fazed at all and even kicked her!"And now you wanna hurt Tabitha too? I don't get it. What's gotten into you? How come you've turned into such a monster?"Daphne, don't go too far. Didn't I tell you to stay away from the hospital?"Hearing Mark's words, Daphne became even angrier."Like mother like daughter. They're two bitches alright. Don't you forget that I'm your daughter!"A crisp sound rang out as Mark slapped Daphne's face.Caught off guard, Daphne widened her eyes in disbelief."All these years, Holly has
Third person's POVDaphne ran out of the werewolf hospital, heartbroken.She had reflected on her actions these days and felt that what she had done was uncalled for—she almost got Holly killed.Thus, she brought fruits today to express her apology.But as soon as she arrived, she heard Mark saying he wished Tabitha were his daughter. How could she not be mad?And instead of helping her, Mark actually sided with Tabitha.As Daphne walked down the street, she felt so aggrieved, tears streaming down her face.A lot of things had changed, and she could feel it.Derek promised to marry her, but he kept postponing it.And he seemed to have no patience left for her, as using Randall's death as an excuse to make him do anything was no longer an option.In fact, even the sight of her disgusted him.Even Mark no longer loved her as much as before. When he looked at her, his eyes were filled with nothing but disappointment.She
Third person's POVAlpha Justin's words had Daphne scratching her head. As far as she knew, most of his friends were here at the Amber's Eye Pack, and he seldom had contact with other packs.So, who was this guest exactly?She acted like she was gonna left but secretly snuck back and hid behind a big tree in the square.She had thought she'd be happy that Holly was beyond saving, but she was wrong.She did indeed hate Holly a lot.Yet knowing that she was the reason why Alpha Justin wanted Holly dead, she couldn't help feeling guilty.Alpha Justin had protected the pack from many rogue attacks, so he had always been a hero in her eyes.Yet this hero actually did such a horrible thing to Holly just because she couldn't conceive. Daphne didn't know how to process the news.Suddenly, the Beta's voice sounded in the courtyard. "Ma'am, please wait here."Daphne immediately jerked her head up.The guest was a woman in a long black coa
Tabitha's POVI sent Derek a message, laying out all the chaos that'd been going down.Derek texted me back at once.Staring at his reply, I couldn't help but give a wry smile.I kept all of our chat history, and as I slid my finger up, I saw that most of the texts came from me, while he barely replied.Looking at all those desperate messages begging him to come back home, I felt like it was ages ago—even though it had only been six months.Shaking my head, I put away my phone and returned to Holly's ward.She was silently shedding tears, probably lost in her thoughts.Seeing me, she quickly dried her face and forced a smile. "Tabitha, I thought you'd left. Why are you back?""Mark seems a bit unwell. Guess he's exhausted.So I'll take care of you tonight in his stead."Holly waved her hand. "No need. Just go home. I've got a carer. I'm fine here.""Mark said you would be scared, so he's been staying with you at night. I go
Tabitha's POVIt was the man I took to the hospital the other day. I was in a hurry to get to the cemetery back then, so I left before he came around."Are you feeling better now?" I asked.He was dressed in a well-ironed navy suit, his shirt spotless and wrinkle-free, a dazzling sapphire ring on his finger. His face still looked a bit pale, though.I could sense there was something extraordinary about him.He didn't reply, just staring at me with a look of disbelief.Then it dawned on me that I hadn't even told him who I was. He didn't get to see my face that day, so he, of course, wouldn't recognize me.I introduced myself, trying to jog his memory, "I'm the one who got you to the hospital when you passed out that day."He snapped back to reality and murmured, "You look just like—""What?""Nothing. Thank you so much. Are you available now? I'd like to treat you to lunch to express my gratitude."I waved my hand. "Nah, i
Tabitha's POV Just then, my phone buzzed. It was Mark calling. 'Did he get a lead about my family?' I wondered. With that thought, I cut Klein off, "Sorry. I gotta take this." "Mark, what's up?" I asked after picking up the phone. "It's Holly. She's rushed to the ER," he replied, sounding anxious. Dumbfounded, I blurted out, "I'll be right there." Then I hung up the phone and turned to Klein. "Sorry. Something urgent came up. I gotta go." When I returned to the hospital, I found Mark standing by the ER door, his face ashen. Feeling worried, I immediately asked him, "What happened? Before I left, she seemed good. She even told me she wanted to have Canneles. How did she end up in the ER?" Mark looked at the bags in my hands and said in a broken voice, "S-she suddenly started to vomit blood." I quickly put the bags on the chair and took Mark's rough, callused hand. He always looked so tough, yet now, his hands were shaki
Tabitha's POV Rolf replied, "Alright, let me take you back home first. You've had a rough night." Since I couldn't get into the ICU, I'd have to head back for now. If it was Elena's doing as well, it threw a real wrench in my earlier thoughts. Elena was clearly after me. So why would she hurt Holly? Just when the truth was about to be out, I got confused again. I sighed deeply, not knowing what to do. Thinking of Holly, who was barely hanging in there, I shook my head, a wave of sadness washing over me. When I pushed open the door, I was slack-jawed. "Derek?" I exclaimed. Hearing my voice, he turned around, a spatula in his hand. "Welcome home," he said. He turned off the stove and came over, pulling me into a hug. "I've heard everything. Sorry for what happened to Holly. Come on, I made you roast turkey today." I melted into his familiar embrace. I wasn't sure if it was because I was just wiped out or if Derek's hug was just too warm, but I didn't pull away, just staying
Tabitha's POV I heard Derek going upstairs. So, I quickly finished my shower, put on a bathrobe, and walked out. As I pushed open the door, I saw Derek holding a wooden tray. On the tray were sliced roasted turkey and potatoes. Derek averted his gaze imperceptibly, his Adam's apple rolling slightly. "The roasted turkey is ready. Give it a go. See if it still tastes the same." It was such a long morning, and I hadn't had a chance to eat. So my stomach was rumbling. Mark took me away from the island in a hurry, and I didn't get to bring my meds. It'd cover a whole month, and I had been taking it for half a month. During those 15 days, my wound had never hurt or gotten worse. Jasper repeatedly reminded me that I had to take it on time every day. But ever since I came back, I hadn't been able to reach him. Now that I didn't have my meds, my wound had started to hurt again. So, for the sake of my health, I decided to at least fill my stomach. "Thanks," I said. I a
Third person's POVAs soon as Tabitha stepped out of the house, the biting winter wind hit her face like a knife, stinging her skin.Just as Derek had said, everything had been arranged."Tabitha, the helicopter is ready. You can leave now.""Thank you.""However, the helipad is a bit far. You'll need to walk there.""That's fine," Tabitha waved it off.Wrapped in a thick down jacket, she buried her face in the hood. She felt as though someone was watching her, but she didn't dare look back.She was afraid that if she turned around, she wouldn't be able to leave. In her heart, she kept repeating, Don't look back. Just keep walking.Behind the curtains, Derek held Kyrian, who was crying silently. Kyrian reached out toward the empty air, as if trying to grab the hem of Tabitha's coat."Dad, I don't want Mom to leave. Will she abandon me?""No, she loves you. How could she abandon you? She's just leaving for a
Third person's POVThough he was just a child and didn't fully understand what had happened between Tabitha and Derek, he knew one thing—he loved Tabitha and wanted her to be happy."If this makes you happy, I don't mind. I'm just scared... scared you'll leave me," Kyrian said, his voice trembling slightly."Silly boy, didn't I tell you? You and your siblings are my most precious treasures. I love you so much, and I'll visit you often," Tabitha said gently.Then, she noticed the cord around Kyrian's neck and gently pulled it out. It was the small lock she'd designed for him years ago."I made this for you. It's engraved with my hopes for you, 'May you grow up happy and healthy every day.'"Kyrian reached out his hand. "Mom, you can't lie to me. You have to come see me again."Their fingers hooked together in a pinky promise, and Tabitha smiled softly."Okay, I promise. When you're a little older, we'll live together, alri
Third person's POVIn such a short time, Kyrian had already figured out his place in Tabitha's heart. He knew exactly where her soft spots were and used his natural childlike tears as a "weapon" to try to keep her from leaving.Though this might not make Tabitha happy, she couldn't bring herself to refuse him.What parent could say no to a child crying for candy?Especially when that child was the one she owed so much to, the one she wanted to give the entire world to.But he didn't want the world. He just wanted Tabitha to stay."I..." Tabitha started to speak, but Kyrian cut her off."Mom, I love you so much, and you love me, and my siblings too. I already don't have a complete family. Do you want my siblings to grow up without a dad, only imagining what he looks like, envying other kids' happy families? Mom, haven't you heard? A happy, complete childhood can heal a person for life, but an incomplete one takes a lifetime to heal."
Third person's POV"Back then was back then. Now is now. But I promise you, no matter what happens, I'll always love you," Tabitha said softly, gently stroking Kyrian's head. Her hand brushed through his soft fur, the warmth of a mother's love flowing through her touch.Kyrian's voice was small, tinged with hope. "Mom, can you spare a little love for Dad? He's actually kind of pitiful."His eyes showed sympathy for Derek. In his heart, both his parents were his greatest loves, and he longed for a complete family."There are plenty of people in this world who love your dad. He doesn't need mine," Tabitha replied, her tone carrying a hint of stubbornness. Despite her lingering feelings for Derek, the pain of the past made it hard for her to forgive."But to Dad, you're like oxygen to a fish. A fish can't live without oxygen," Kyrian said, snuggling closer to Tabitha.He pressed his body against hers, as if clinging to her love would make it st
Third person's POVKyrian obediently climbed over and was immediately pulled into Tabitha's embrace.From here, they could see the beautiful scenery outside. Kyrian realized that the training grounds looked completely different from this angle—probably because his mother was by his side.Tabitha smiled softly, her voice warm. "I chose your name. You were born with all my love.""Mom, you must have loved Dad a lot back then," Kyrian said, looking up with curious eyes."Yes, very much," Tabitha admitted honestly. "No matter how I feel about your dad now, you are my precious child, born after seven months of carrying you. Your dad took you away, and I didn't even know you existed. That's why I missed so many years of your life. But you need to know, I thought about you every single day. There wasn't a moment when I didn't miss you or wonder about you. I love you more than anyone in the world."Kyrian's mood brightened, a happy smile sprea
Third person's POVKyrian watched nervously as Tabitha cleaned and dressed his wounds.He didn't dare breathe too loudly, his eyes glued to her every move. His gaze was filled with dependence and longing.Every now and then, he'd glance quickly at Derek, his eyes questioning, desperate for reassurance that this wasn't a dream."Dad, is Mom really back?" His voice trembled, carrying the fragility and hope unique to a child.Derek reached out and gently tapped his nose. "Silly boy, she's really here."Kyrian's tense body relaxed slightly, and a shy smile crept onto his face.When Tabitha applied the ointment a little too firmly, he winced but stayed silent.His hands gripped the hem of his shirt, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. He was afraid that if he cried out in pain, Tabitha might leave.In his heart, he thought, As long as Mom stays, this pain is nothing.Kyrian had always been well-behaved, but n
Third person's POVAzazel was furious.To be honest, he hadn't planned to take things this far with Kyrian.He showed Kyrian some respect, but deep down, he knew most of the children here were orphans with no one to rely on.He'd been provoking Kyrian because he refused to fall in line. After all this time, Kyrian still wouldn't listen to him.Azazel had wanted to teach him a lesson and assert his dominance in front of the others.But Kyrian was tougher than he'd expected. Instead of backing down, he even fought back with a fierce determination that burned in his eyes.What's wrong with him? Why won't he give up?"You're dead, brat," Azazel snarled, raising his fist to deliver a crushing blow to Kyrian's head."Stop!"Kyrian closed his eyes, bracing for the impact his small body couldn't possibly withstand. But the blow never came.A hand shot out, gripping Azazel's wrist.Everyone turned to see Tabitha, breathless from running.Thankfully, she'd made it in time.What she didn't know
Third person's POVKyrian had barely taken a few bites when a tall boy walked over and flipped his tray onto the floor, sneering, "Go on, eat that."Tabitha's fists clenched in anger. "How can they bully him like this? He's already struggling!"Derek held her back. "Tabitha, don't act rashly. This place isn't just about physical training for him."Tabitha frowned. "Then what else is he here for?"Derek explained, "For people like us, growing up means training alongside peers who'll become your most trusted allies—like Alvin and Rolf. These are the people who'd take a bullet for you on the battlefield. If Kyrian grows up sheltered, handed a team of strangers, do you think they'd truly respect or protect him? One wrong move, and he could end up dead."Tabitha's anger began to fade. "What are you saying?"Derek's tone grew serious. "He's not just training his body. He's learning to lead, to earn the loyalty of these kids. They'll b
Third person's POVThe car slowly emerged from the underground garage, breaking through the darkness into the open air.The streets were adorned with mistletoe trees, people bustling about in preparation for Christmas."It's been years since we celebrated together," Derek said suddenly, his voice tinged with nostalgia."Yeah." In those days when survival was all that mattered, Tabitha hadn't had the luxury of thinking about holidays."It's the last day of the year. Where are you taking me?" Tabitha glanced at Derek."You'll see."The car wound its way out of the city, into the countryside. Snowflakes danced in the air, painting the world in white.The road grew steeper, the landscape wilder. Soon, there were no buildings in sight—just endless trees and snow.Tabitha gripped the armrest as the car jolted over uneven terrain. After what felt like hours, they reached a remote valley deep in the mountains. Even their p